Swingable practice club with pivoted sound-producing member



Dec. 10, 1963 w. GUIER 3,113,781

SWINGABLE PRACTICE CLUB WITHPIVOTED SOUND-PRODUCING MEMBER Filed Dec. 18, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. WILLIAM. GU/ER ATTORNEY lll' United States Patent Office 3,113,781 Patented Dec. 10, 1963 3,113,781 SWINGABLE PRACTICE CLUB WITH PIVOTED SOUND-PRODUCING MEMBER William Guier, 3100 E. 71st St., Tulsa, Okla. Filed Dec. 18, 1961, Ser. No. 160,023 19 Claims. (Cl. 2.73186) This invention relates to a device which can be used to indicate when the body and arms swing properly to hit a ball. More particularly, the invention relates to a device which is useful in training a golfer to stroke a ball properly.

The proper swing of a golfer has the deceptive appearance of simplicity which is inherent in most skill sports. Actually, from the moment the golfer addresses his ball, he follows a complex pattern of motions to strike the ball properly. The club head is raised from a position behind the ball to a position over the shoulder in the back swing. The speed of the club head in this backswing should not be excessive nor erratic or the golfer will not properly prepare for his downswing.

The downswing should steadily accelerate the club by the arms and body of the golfer. The wrists should then rapidly accelerate the club head at the bottom of the swing, immediately prior to the balls being hit. The problem is to uncock the wrists to give the club head a rapid acceleration in order to attain a predetermined speed at the club head as the club head comes in contact with the ball.

The golfer needs an index of the speed of his club head. Having an adjustable index under his control, the golfer can concentrate on executing the various elements of both backswing and downswing that relate to the index. If an audible signal can be provided as an index, the swing of a golfer can be readily trained to not produce one value of the index in the execution of the backswing and to produce a second value of the index at the proper time in the downswing.

A principal object of the present invention is to provide an audible signal at a predetermined value of effort exerted in the swing of a trainee.

Another object is to provide an adjustment of the effort demanded to produce an audible signal in the swing.

Another object is to provide for repetition of the audible signal each time the predetermined efliort is exerted without change of the manual grip between each swing.

Another object is to produce non-linear variation of the amount of effort demanded to produce the audible signal.

Another object is to provide a series of audible signals at different predetermined values of effort exerted in the swing.

The invention contemplates a pivoted clapper mounted on the end of a simulated club and retained in a first position by a moment of magnetic force. The moment of centrifugal force generated by swinging the simulated club is applied to overcome the moment of magnetic force and pivot the clapper against a surface to produce an audible signal.

The invention further contemplates an arrangement for shifting the spatial relationship between the clapper and the magnet to predeterrnine the value of the moment of centrifugal force required to overcome the moment of magnetic force and pivot the clapper to produce the audible signal.

The invention further contemplates arranging the clapper, pivot point and surface struck to produce the audible signal so the force of gravity can be utilized to return the clapper to its magnetically retained position as the club reaches the end of its swing and without changing the grip on the club.

The invention further contemplates an indicating scale on which the movement of the magnet is exhibited to indicate the value of the moment of centrifugal force required to pivot the clapper away from the magnet.

The invention further contemplates shaping the magnetically attracted surfaces between the clapper and magnet to give a predetermined ratio between increments of distance the magnet is moved from the pivot point and the force of attraction between the contact surface and the magnet.

The invention further contemplates mounting more than one clapper by respective pivot points. The clappers have differential combinations of clapper weight and magnetic force applied to them to establish different values of moments of centrifugal force required to pivot each clapper and produce an audible signal with each clapper.

Other objects, advantages and features of this invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art upon consideration of the written specification, appended claims and the attached drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an external view, to scale, of a simulated club with a housing as the head end containing structure embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the housing of FIG. 1 with the cover removed to disclose the novel structure internal of the housing;

FIG. 3 is a section of FIG. 2 along the lines 3--3 to further disclose the novel structure;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the magnet mounted within the FIG. 2 housing;

FIG. 5 is a section of FIG. 6 taken along lines 55, both FIGS. 5 and 6 being views of a clapper useful in the combination of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the underside of a clapper which can be mounted within the housing of FIG. 2;

'FIG. 7 is a sectioned side elevation of a housing similar to the housing of FIGS. 1 and 2 with another arrange ment for changing the spatial relationship between the magnet and clapper;

FIG. 8 is a section of the housing of FIG. 7 in the direction of 8--8; and

FIG. 9 is a view similar to that of FIG. 8 showing two clappers positioned within the housing.

General Combination Referring specifically to FIG. 1, I represent the external appearance of a training device embodying my invention. The limited space available dictates illustrating the complete length of an elongated shaft in several sections. This shaft 10 is shaped to simulate the shaft of a golf club as it is adapted to be grasped by a first end 11 and swung with body, arms and hands of a golfer.

The second, or free, end 12 of shaft 10 has .a housing 13 mounted thereon. The structure embodying the present invention has essential elements of its combination mounted within housing 1.3. The principal object of the invention is carried out when housing 13 is swung as the head of club shaft 10 and structure within housing 13 produces a resounding click, an audible signal, when parts within the housing have a predetermined centrifugal force generated upon them.

A person under training with this device embodying my invention has available both a means for changing the amount of centrifugal force needed to produce the audible signal and a scale reference with which to relate the settings to the different forces. An easily accessible knob 14- projects from one side of housing 13. Turning this knob varies the spatial relationship between a magnet and clapper member mounted within housing 13. The various spatial relationships give various moments of magnetic force with which the clapper is held against moments of centrifugal forces. Each magnetic moment, and therefore each moment of centrifugal force necessary to overcome each magnetic moment, has a scale reference for use of the trainee.

-A scale 15 is scribed, printed, or otherwise made accessible on the cover 16 of housing 13. Scale 15 is laid out along an elongated window 17. The magnet 18 is positioned within housing 13 and is viewed through window 17 to become an index, along scale 15, of the value of the magnetic moment. Chart -19 is an extension of the scale 15 and tabulates the various numbers of golf clubs placed in vertical alignment. From each club member, graduations 'are extended horizontally, parallel to scale 15. The spaces of chart 19 can then be used to place distance values opposite each club, the distance values being commensurate with the values of the moments of centrifugal forces required to produce the audible signals.

Also, scale 15 is broken into two sections. The scale values which indicate the moments of centrifugal forces generated in the backswing of the club are placed in one section. The second section indicates those values of the moments of centrifiugal force of the downswing as heretofore discussed. The arrangement of the novel structure embodying the invention contemplates using a single magnet to calibrate the moments of centrifugal force required in each swing and indicating those values on two separate sections of the same scale.

Cover '16 is held on hollow housing 13 by screws 20. The cover may be made of various materials, as well as the housing. However, i have found it very convenient to make cover 16 of a plastic with a roughened surface which will readily receive pencil marks.

Pencil marks may be readily removed from the surface of cover '16 by wiping with a damp cloth or the sweat-moist skin of my hand. This system provides me with means for making notes, or additional markings anywhere on cover .1 6 of a temporary nature.

Internal Arrangement of Housing 13 FIG. 2 discloses housing 13 with cover 16 removed. Within recess 21 the movable parts of this embodiment are mounted. FIG. 2, taken with FIG. 3, teaches the essential cooperation of the various parts in producing the audible signals required to carry out the objects of the invention.

Housing.-Housing 13 is preferably a casting of light metal, such as aluminum. Bosses 22 and 23 are formed in the upper corners of recess 2 1 as'shown in FIG. 2. These bosses are drilled and tapped to receive screws 20. The side 24 of boss 23 functions as a sounding surface for a clapper, or clappers, with which the desired audible signal is produced.

Clap ers.The present embodiment specifically discloses a pair of clappers mounted within recess 21. These clappers 25 and 26 are both pivoted from a common shaft 27. Clappers 25 and 26- need not necessarily be pivoted from a common shaft, but this is apparently the more convenient arrangement if two clappers are contemplated. Also, a single clapper can carry out the principal objects of the invention by striking surface 24 when pivoted on shaft 27.

In its general shape, each clapper 25 and clapper 26 is rectangular is cross-section, is elongated, and pivots from one of its ends. The clappers must be of material attracted by a magnet, or have material attached to them that is attracted by a magnet. A boss 28 is shown on one end of clapper 25 and a similar boss '29 is shown on one end of clapper 26. Other specific shapes of bosses may be provided, but in every instance these enlarged portions on the ends of the clappers have a hole formed therein in order that they can be journalled on pivot shaft 27.

Clapper pivot shaft.Pivot shaft 27 is mounted Within recess 21 so clappers 25 and 26 will pivot at a point near the end of the housing 13, which is attached to shaft 10, into contact with the sounding surface 24 on boss 23. In FIG. 2, clapper 25' is illustrated as extending parallel to the lower surface 31 of recess 21. Clapper 26 is shown as extending perpendicular to surface St), in contact with surface 24. These are the two extreme positions each clapper takes within housing 13 as they pivot about shaft 27 Pivot shaft 27 is specifically mounted through back wall 31 of housing 13. As seen most clearly in FIG. 3, shaft 27 may be journalled through hole 32 is back housing wall 31 and hole 33 in cover 16. An integral head 34 retains one end of shaft 27 in the hole 33 of cover 16 and a nut 35 threaded on the other end of shaft 27 retains the other end of shaft 27 in hole 32. Other arrangements for mounting shaft 27 are considered well within the scope of the invention. All such arrangements would generally contemplate mounting the pivot shaft 27 near the shaft end of the housing 13, transverse the axis of club shaft 10, and tangential the arc of its swin to provide for the free ends of the clappers to strike their sounding surface within housing 13. The clappers are pivoted from the first position, that position shown for clapper 25, when the moment of centrifugal force generated on each clapper overcomes a moment of magnetic force retaining each clapper in the first position.

Magnet.Magnet 18 provides the force to hold both clapper 24 and clapper 25 in the first position. Magnet 18 has its spatial relationship to clappers 25 and 26 adjusted by knob 14 to vary the size of the magnetic moment exerted upon each clapper. The moment of centrifugal force generated on each clapper, as housing 13 is swung from the end 12 of shaft 10, is directed to oppose the magnetic moment on each clapper. When the moment of centrifugal force becomes the greater of the opposed moments on one clapper, the clapper pivots sharply around shaft 27 until surface 24 is struck. An audible signal results, an indication that the resulting moment of centrifugal force at housing 13 has reached the predetermined value established by the relative relation of magnet 18, clapper body and pivot shaft 27.

The audible signal becomes a guide to the trainee using the device of my invention. Noting where this signal is produced in his swing and relating this position to the calibration of scale 15, the trainee can concentrate on timing, consistency and rhythm in his swing to produce the signal at the proper point in his swing. Having regulated his swing, the trainee can then apply this regulated swing to actually swinging a club and striking a ball correctly.

Magnetic Moment 'The magnetic moments holding the clappers 25 and 26 in their first pcsition are developed by applying a force of magnetic attraction to the surface of each clapper at a predetermined distance transverse the pivot shaft 27. There are various ways this moment of magnetic force may be varied on each clapper. The force of magnetic attraction may be varied by change of the spatial relation-ship between the magnet and clappers. The moment arm, i.e. the distance between the magnet and axis of pivot shaft 27, may be changed. The combination of different values of the force of magnetic attraction, and the lengths of the moment arm, establish the various values of the moment of magnetic force which the moment of centrifugal force must attain to overcome the magnetic moment and throw the clappers to their second position to make the audible signals.

Moment arm.First, the establishment of the length of the arm of the magnetic moment will be considered. FIG. 2 indicates magnet 18 as having a simple rectangular shape. This magnet is moved to 'any desired position in a straight line parallel to the recess wall 30 and a corresponding distance from pivot shaft 27. Given this predetermined length of moment arm, the magnetic moment has a predetermined value.

To be positioned, the magnet is mounted on shaft 40 which is journalled through opposite walls of housing 13. The shaft 40, supported in aligned housing holes 411 and 42, extends at right angles to pivot shaft 27 to support magnet 18 and carry the magnet to any position desired along the length of shaft 40.

The shaft '40 has threads 43 formed along its length between the mountings of the shaft through holes 41 and 42. Magnet l1'8 has a hole 44 (FIG. 4) which is threaded for engagement with shaft threads 43. The knob 14, referred to originally in BIG. 1, can now be seen as mounted on the end of shaft 40 protruding out the side of housing 13. Properly knurled and shaped for manual manipulation, knob 14 offers the trainee a convenient means of adjusting the moment arm length between the axis of pivot shaft 27 and magnet .18.

Although other arrangements of shaft 40 and magnet 18 are possible under the teachings of my invention, the arrangement illustrated indicates that as shaft 40 is turned, magnet 18 is prevented from turning with the shaft. The upper flat surface 45, or the lower flat surface 46, of the magnet vvili engage either the housing surface 30 or the clapper surface and prevent rotation of magnetic body 18. Prevented from turning with shaft on :which it is mounted, magnet 18 will be forced to travel along the length of shaft 40 by reason of the engagement of shaft threads 43 and magnet threads 44. Therefore, manual turning of knob 14, clockwise or counterclockwise, positions magnet .18 along the length of shaft 40.

The position of magnet 18 is observed from a point outside housing 13. The edge of magnet 18 may be seen through window '17 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Through window 17, the body of magnet 18 becomes an index in relation to the scale 15, giving a reference for the trainee to predetermine the value of the magnetic moment which must be overcome by the moment of centrifugal force.

Magnetic attraction.-The second consideration of the magnetic moment is the variation of the magnetic attraction at the end of the particular length of moment arm selected. The magnet 18 is most conventionally formed to have a constant flux strength. However, the coupling of the lines of magnetic =flux and the bodies of the clappers can be varied by changing the positional relation between the magnetic lines of flux and the clapper body.

The scope of my invention includes the arrangement of spatial separation between the attraction surface of the clapper and magnet .18. A tapered screw mounted through a wall of housing 13 can vary the first position of either, or both, clappers .25 and 26 in relation to magnet 18. The coupling of the flux of magnet 118 and a clapper body would be initially changed over a finite range of movement of the tapered screw and corresponding clapper movement from magnet 18. However, the range of clapper movement is so small (within the full range of coupling change possible that the refinement of movements necessary to make this practical requires a mechanism quite expensive to manufacture. A more simple system is available under the concepts of my invention.

Coupling between the fi-ux of magnet 1-8 and clapper body can be more readily varied over the range of magnet movement by suitably shaping the clapper surfaces which are contiguous, and closely contiguous, the magnet 18. Broadly, the attraction surface of the clapper is shaped so as to vary the effectiveness of the magnetic coupling to the magnet 18 as the magnet is moved along its path. As the attraction between magnet 18 and the clapper varies at the same time the moment arm varies, the moment varies non-linearly with the magnet movement.

FIG. 2 shows clapper 25 with its attraction surface given a specific shape under the concept of the invention. The complete attraction surface is indicated by 50. As viewed in FIG. 2, this complete surface extends all along the underside of clapper 25, clapper 25 being in the first position. On the right portion of surface '50, the attraction surface is slanted upward, away from the magnet 18. This slanted surface 51 is formed by a bevel cut at the end of the clapper. The bevel surface may be described as beginning beneath the center of pivot shaft 27 and slanting down to termination with the horizontal portion of surface 50.

The position magnet 18 takes to the extreme right, as viewed in FIG. 2, is illustrated in a dashed line. This magnet position 18A is at the extreme range of travel along shaft 40, to the right. Surface 51 is that part of attraction surface 50 which is inclined upward, away from magnet '18.

Consider magnet 18 at position 118A. The magnetic force of attraction is reduced to its minmum because the surface coupled through the flux of magnet 18 is removed its maximum distance from magnet 18. As magnet 18 is moved to the left in FIG. 2, the sulface 511 approaches the magnet until the surface 50 is in full contact with the magnet 18. Over this range of increasing magnetic attraction the moment arm at which the magnetic force is applied increases. Due to the simultaneous variation of the increasing moment arm and increasing magnetic force, the magnetic moment increases on a non-linear basis. The scale 15 is calibrated to indicate the nonlinear moment variation in its Back Swing portion. In general, these values are substantially less than those associated with the downswing of the club.

Once the magnet 18 and attraction surface 50 are fully engaged, the magnetic flux of magnet 18 couples the attraction surface 50 to the magnet consistently. Movement of the magnet 18 to the left, in FIG. 2, results in the same force of attraction. The moment arm, measured from pivot shaft 27, continues to vary. The magnetic moment on the clapper then continues to vary, but in a linear manner. The left portion of scale 15, the Down Swing portion, is correspondingly calibrated to indicate the linear variation of the magnetic moment in equal increments. The extreme left position of magnet 18 is indicated at 18B.

FIGS. 5 and 6 disclose a particular form for a clapper where it is desirable to have a non-linear variation of the magnetic moment over a substantial length of the clapper. FIG. 5 shows clapper 60, oriented in the position of clapper 25 in FIG. 2. A boss 61 is formed on the right hand end of the clapper. A hole 62 is formed through the boss 61 so that the clapper can be journalled on shaft 27.

A section has been taken along the length of clapper 69. This section may be considered as taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 6. The section, together with the view of FIG. 6, discloses that the underside of clapper has a slot 63 milled, or molded, longitudinally therein. The slot 63 depth is tapered; the depth is greatest at 64, the right end, and terminates at the left end, at 65.

The slot 63 is formed along the longitudinal axis of the clapper 65). The slot has a constant width, leaving two tracks 66 and 67 on each side. When the clapper 60 is mounted on shaft 27 in housing 13, magnet 18 en ages tracks 66 and 67 and the flux of magnet 18 is variably coupled to the clapper body as the magnet is positioned along the tracks.

As magnet 18 is moved along tracks 66 and 67, the magnetic force of attracton varies because of the changing spatial relationship between the magnet and clapper body beyond the slot. The moment arm at which the force of the magnet is applied varies. Therefore, the magnetic force moment applied to the clapper varies, and varies in a non-linear manner.

Plural clapper operati0n.-Referring back to FIG. 2, it is to be appreciated that objects of the invention can be carried out by a single clapper mounted within housing 13. FIG. 2 specifically discloses a pair of clappers 25 and 26. These two clappers represent a. plurality of clappers that carry out additional objects.

It is desirable in some instances to have each of a plurality of clappers develop its audible signal at a specific point in the swing of the trainer. With the plural clappers, the trainee can learn to develop a range of forces in his swing. A first clapper-magnet spatial relationship can be pre-set to sound the audible signal when a predetermined minimum force is developed in the swing. At the same time, with my invention, a second clapper can be set in relation to the magnet to sound a second audible signal when a second predetermined force is developed in the same swing, subsequent to the first signal.

To carry out this invention, 1 provide unequal relationships of clapper mass to magnetic attraction among the plural clappers. Obviously, under the prior teachings, the attraction surfaces of the clappers may be differentially shaped to unbalance this relationship. Specifically, in FIG. 2, I show the provision of inequality in this relationship by the addition of mass to clapper 26 in the form of weight 69. The desired result is thereby attained. In the swing of housing 13, clapper 26 will be swung about pivot 27 to sound the first audible signal. Clapper 25 will then sound a second signal if a predetermined larger force value is reached in the same swing.

Arming or Re-Setting Particular note is to be made that all clappers mounted within the housing 13 are readily returned to coupling position with magnet 18 without changing the grip on shaft 1% by the trainee. FIG. 2 serves to illustrate clapper 25 in the armed position; magnet 18 and clapper 25 are coupled together; the moment of magnetic force is predetermined.

Clapper 26 is used to illustrate the second position, the position taken after the moment of centrifugal force has overcome the moment of magnetic force. The clapper 26 has been pivoted about shaft 27 and its end has struck sounding surface 24 to produce the audible signal. The mechanical arrangement makes a return of clapper 26 to the first position easy to accomplish.

As the downswing of the simulated club is completed, the finish part of the swing carries the housing 13 upward. The housing 13 is oriented on the second end 12 of shaft 10 so the cover 16 is up, viewed by the trainee when the trainee holds the simulated club as though he was addressing a ball. Shaft 27 is mounted on the right hand side of housing 13. The clappers pivot away from the direction of the swing to strike sounding surface 24.

As the swing is finished, housing 13 is lifted in an are, over the head and shoulders of the trainee. The manual grip on the shaft is not changed. The housing 13 is normally held manually so as to tilt to the left. Gravity pivots the clappers from sounding surface 24, returning them to their first positions. The device is armed, or re-set, ready to function again without any shift of the grip on handle 11. The swing can be repeated indefinitely at a predetermined value of the moment of magnetic force until the trainee has established a satisfactory swing, properly indexed to the audible signals.

il Ianual Adjustment of Spatial Relationship Between Clapper and Magnet Variation of the spatial relationship between clappers and magnet by shaping the surface of the clapper has been disclosed in FIGS. 5 and 6. It was also disclosed that the magnet and clapper surface could be initially spaced from each other when the clapper is in the armed position. A tapered screw would embody this concept, threading into the housing 13 to lift the attraction surface of the clapper from the magnet a predetermined distance to establish the total magnetic coupling strength between the two. FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 are now employed to show still another way to initially set this magnetic coupling strength.

FIG. 7 shows a sectioned portion 'of a housing similar to housing 13. The section has been taken through one side of housing 70. A cover 71 is fixed in position on the face of the housing 70 and a magnet 72 is mounted within housing 70 to be moved in a manner similar to the arrangement including magnet 18 of the preceding disclosure.

Magnet 72 differs from magnet 18 in that magnet 72 is dimensioned to extend its upper surface 73 over only a part of the depth of the housing 70 recess. Clapper 74 is given a width approximately equal to the width of magnet surface 73. Therefore, clapper 74 may be shifted sideways within housing 70 and vary the amount of surface 73 on magnet 72 which is contiguous the clapper surface in the armed position of clapper 74. Here is disclosed another arrangement for varying the spatial relationship between clapper and magnet to establish the moment of magnetic force which the moment of centrifugal force must overcome in the swing of the trainee to produce the audible signal.

Properly dimensioned in width to give the sideways shift of position required, clapper 74 is pivoted from a shaft 75. Pivot shaft 75 is mounted in a location similar to the location of pivot shaft 27 of FIG. 3. However, the end 76 of shaft 75, which extends through the back wall of housing 70 is carried in an axial hole 77 of a sleeve 73 which is journalled in the hole 78A of the back wall of housing 70.

The opposite end 79 of shaft 75 is threaded in hole 80 of cover 71 and provided with a knob 81 which can turn the shaft 75 in its threaded engagement with the housing hole. This knob is manually manipulated, just as the knob of the magnet shaft is turned in moving the magnet to set the length of the arm of the magnetic moment.

End '76 of shaft 75 and sleeve 78 pressed thereover slides in hole 77 as threaded end 79 is moved in and out of the interior of housing 70. FIGS. 7 and 8 show the clapper 74 captured on shaft 75 between sleeve 78 and shoulder 82. As threaded end 79 of shaft 75 moves in and out of housing 70, the clapper 74 is positioned sideways within housing 70 and varying areas of clapper 74 and magnet surface 73 are brought into contact. The magnetic force holding clapper 74 in the armed position is therefore varied and can be pre-set as desired by the trainee to calibrate his swing. Surface 73 of magnet 72 is extended by a non-magnetic body 83 attached to the side of magnet 72. Mechanically, this body 83 provides support for clapper 74 as it is moved sideways from full magnetic engagement with magnet 72.

FIG. 9 shows housing 70 and shaft 75 in the same relationship disclosed in FIGS. 7 and 8. However, a clapper and a clapper 91 are both pivoted on shaft 75. In this arrangement it is contemplated that clapper 90 will not become partially disengaged from magnetic coupling with magnet 72 with sideways movement relative to magnet 72. Additionally, the width of clapper 90 is small enough to permit clapper 91 to be pivotally mounted beside clapper 90 on shaft 75.

Clapper 91 is, itself, of such width as to provide varying surface contact with magnet surface 73 when moved sideways. Clapper 91 is positioned by turning knob 81, just as clapper 74 is positioned in FIG. 8. The magnetic moment is then varied on clapper 91 by this adjustment while the magnetic moment on clapper 90 remains constant.

The FIG. 9 arrangement provides at least the possibility of using clapper 91 to establish the relatively small magnetic moments needed to calibrate the backswing of a golf trainee. Also, of course, the downswing will sound the clapper 91 before clapper 90 will sound. Thus is provided an index of two audible signals which the swing can be developed to produce as a bracket of a predetermined portion of the swing.

9 Conclusion The features of my simulated club give the device a flexibility which can extend its use far beyond the specific application of a means for developing a better golf swing. The audible signals can be produced in a game pattern, sufficient unto itself. It might be said that a complete game can be played, using the device itself, if rules were drawn up around its use.

I also contemplate the principles of my invention being useful in improving and testing physical strength. Doctors could well find a use for these features in their work, especially muscular and neuromuscular rehabilitation. The military may have a place for these features in their testing programs. In short, the device, and its features, is limited in its use only by the imagination of those employing it.

From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all of the ends and objects hereinabove set forth, together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the apparatus.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

The invention having been described, what is claimed is:

1. A training club with which instruction in hitting a ball can he carried out, including,

a shaft adapted to simulate an actual club by being swung by a first end with the hands and arms of a person under training,

a pivot shaft mounted near the second end of the club shaft to extend in a direction transverse the axis of the club shaft,

a clapper member mounted on the pivot shaft so as to be held in a first position,

a magnet mounted near the second end of the club shaft at a predetermined distance transverse the pivot shaft axis to hold the clapper in the first position until the moment of magnetic force about the pivot shaft is overcome by the moment of centrifugal force developed on the clapper about the pivot shaft when the club shaft is swung,

and a sounding surface mounted near the second end of the club shaft where it will be struck by the clapper to develop an audible signal as the cla per is pivoted away from the magnet and strikes the sounding surface.

2. A training club with which instruction in hitting a ball can be carried out, including,

a shaft adapted to simulate an actual club by being swung by a first end with the hands and arms of a person under training,

a pivot shaft mounted near the second end of the club shaft,

a clapper member mounted on the pivot shaft so as to be held in a first position,

a magnet mounted near the second end of the club shaft at a predetermined distance transverse the pivot shaft axis to hold the clapper in the first position until the moment of magnetic force about the pivot shaft is overcome by the moment of centrifugal force developed about the pivot shaft and on the clapper when the club shaft is swung.

means for adjusting the predetermined transverse distance between the magnet and the pivot shaft axis of the clapper to establish the size of the moment of centrifugal force developed about the pivot shaft and on the clapper which will overcome the moment of magnetic force,

and a sounding surface mounted near the second end of the club shaft where it will be struck by the clapper to develop an audible signal as the clapper is pivoted away from the magnet.

3. A training club with which instruction in hitting a ball can be carried out, including,

a shaft adapted to simulate an actual club by being swung by a first end with the hands and arms of a person under training,

a pivot shaft mounted near the second end of the club shaft,

a clapper member mounted on the pivot shaft so as to be held in a first position,

a magnet rnounted near the second end of the club shaft at a predetermined distance transverse the pivot shaft axis to hold the clapper in the first position until the moment of magnetic force about the pivot shaft is overcome by the moment of centrifugal force developed about the pivot shaft and on the clapper when the club shaft is swung,

means for adjusting the predetermined transverse dis tance between the magnet and the pivot shaft axis of the clapper to establish the size of the moment of centrifugal force developed about the pivot shaft and on the clapper which will Overcome the moment of magnetic force,

means for indicating the transverse distance between the magnet and the pivot shaft of the clapper on a scale, whereby the person under training will have a reference to which he can return for practice in swinging,

and a sounding surface mounted near the second end of the club shaft where it will be struck by the clapper to develop an audible signal "as the clapper is pivoted away from the magnet.

4. A training club for use in instruction to hit a ball,

including,

an elongated shaft simulating an actual club shaft and adapted to be grasped by a first end to be svmng as if to strike a ball with the second end,

a housing mounted on the second end of the shaft to simulate an actual club head with which to strike a ball,

a pivot shaft mounted within the housing and near the second end of the club shaft,

a clapper mounted on the pivot shaft so as to pivot from one end while the other end is free to travel in an are about the pivot shaft,

a magnet mounted within the housing and near the second end of the club shaft at a point where it will hold the free end of the clalpper in a first position near the second end of the club shaft,

and means for positioning the magnet at predetermined distances transverse the pivot shaft of the clapper so as to preset the moment of centrifugal force which must be developed on the clapper to overcome the moment of magnetic force when the club shaft is swung, whereby the clapper will be forced from the magnet and pivot its free end away from the first position near the second end of the club shaft and to a second position where audible contact is made with the housing.

5. A training club for instructional purposes, including,

an elongated shaft representing a golf club,

a hollow housing mounted onthe free end of the shaft to represent the head of the club,

a shaft extending through a first pair of opposite walls of the housing with threads formed thereon,

a magnet threaded on the shaft and adapted to travel along the shaft by engagement with the threads as the shaft is manually turned,

a pivot shaft extending through a second pair of opposite walls of the housing and in a direction transverse the magnet shaft,

and a clapper mounted on the pivot shaft and held by the magnet until the club shaft and housing are swung hard enough for the moment of centrifugal force generated on the clapper to overcome the moment of magnetic force and cause the clapper to pivot about the pivot shaft until the clapper strikes a surface within the housing.

6. A tnajning club with which instruction in hitting a ball can he carried out, including,

a shaft adapted to simulate an actual club by being swung by a first end with the hands and arms of a person under training,

a pivot shaft mounted at the second end of the club shaft,

"a clapper member mounted on the pivot shaft so as to be held in a first position,

a magnet mounted near the second end of the club shaft at :a predetermined distance transverse the pivot shaft and placed to hold the cl apper in the first position until the magnetic moment holding the clapper in the first position is overcome by the moment of centrifugal force developed on the clapper by the club shaft being swung,

means for changing the ratio of the size of the magnetic moment to the transverse distance between the pivot shaft and the magnet,

and a sounding surface carried near the second end of the club shaJf-t where it will be struck by the clapper to develop an audible signal when the clapper is pivoted away from the magnet and strikes the sounding surface;

7. A training club with which instruction in hitting a ball can be carried out, including,

a shaft adapted to simulate an actual club by being swung by a first end with the hands and arms of a person under training,

a pivot shaft mounted at the second end of the club shaft,

a clapper member mounted on the pivot shaft so as to be held in a first position,

a moveable magnet mounted near the second end of the club shaft at a predetermined distance transverse the pivot shaft and adapted to be placed to hold the clapper in the first position until the magnetic moment which holds the clapper in the first position is overcome by the moment of centrifugal force developed on the clapper by the club shaft being swung,

an attraction surface on the clapper by which the magnet holds the clapper in the first position, the surface including a tapered slot in the clapper along the line of magnet movement transverse the pivot shaft of the clapper,

and a sounding surface carried near the second end of the club shaft Where it will be struck by the clapper to develop an audible signal when the clapper is pivoted away from the magnet and strikes the sounding surface. I

8. A training club with which instruction in hitting a ball can be carried out, including,

a shaft adapted to simulate an actual club by being swung by a first end with the hands and arms of a person under training,

a pivot shaft mounted at the second end of the club shaft,

a clapper member mounted on the pivot shaft so as to be held in a first pivoted position,

I a magnet mounted near the second end of the club shaft at a predetermined distance transverse the pivot shaft and placed to hold the clapper in the first pivoted position until the magnetic moment which holds the clapper in the first pivoted position is overcome by the moment of centrifugal force developed on the clapper by the club shaft being swung,

an attraction surface on the clapper by which the magnet holds the clapper in the first pivoted position, the surface adapted to be varied in effective area by moving the clapper to one side while held in the first pivoted position so only a part of the magnet surface is contiguous the clapper surface,

and a sounding surface carried near the second end of the club shaft where it will be struck by the clapper to develop an audible signal when the clapper is pivoted away from the magnet and strikes the sounding surface.

9. A training club with which instruction in hitting a ball can be carried out, including,

a shaft adapted to be manually grasped to simulate an actual club by being sumng by a first end with the hands and arms of a person under training,

a pivot shaft mounted at the second end of the club shaft,

a clapper member mounted on the pivot shaft at the second end of the simulated club shaft so as to be held in a first pivoted position,

a magnet mounted near the second end of the club shaft at a predetermined distance transverse the pivot shaft and placed to hold the clapper in the first pivoted position by magnetic attraction until the magnetic moment which holds the clapper in the first pivoted position is overcome by the moment of centrifugal force developed on the clapper at the second end of the club shaft as the club shaft is swung,

means for sliding the clapper along the axis of the pivot shaft to partially disengage the clapper surface and magnet and thereby vary the amount of magnetic attraction holding the clapper in the first pivoted position,

and a sounding surface carried near the second end of the club shaft where it will be struck by the clapper to develop an audible signal when the clapper is pivoted away from the magnet and strikes the sounding surface.

10. A training club with which instruction in hitting a ball can be carried out, including,

a shaft adapted to simulate an actual club by being swung by a first end with the hands and arms of a person under training,

a pivot shaft mounted at the second end of the club shaft,

a first clapper member mounted on the pivot shaft at the second end of the club shaft so as to be held in a first position,

a second clapper member mounted on the pivot shaft at the second end of the club shaft so as to be held in a first position,

a magnet mounted near the second end of the club shaft at a predetermined distance transverse the pivot shaft and placed to hold both clappers in their first positions until their magnetic moments are overcome by moments of centrifugal force developed on each clapper at the second end of the club shaft as the club shaft is swung,

means for establishing a different value for each moment of magnetic force on each clapper in order that different values of the moments of centrifugal force Will overcome each moment of magnetic force,

and a sounding surface carried near the second end of the club shaft where it will be struck by each clapper to develop an audible signal each time one of the clappers is pivoted away from the magnet and strikes the sounding surface.

11. A training club with which instruction in hitting a ball can be carried out, including,

a shaft adapted to simulate an actual club by being swung by a first end with the hands and arms of a person under training,

a pivot shaft mounted at the second end of the club shaft,

a first clapper member of a first predetermined weight mounted on the pivot shaft at the second end of the club shaft so as to be held in a first position.

a second clapper member of a second and different premeans for adjusting the predetermined transverse distance between the magnet and the pivot shaft of the clappers to establish the size of the moment of magnetic force to be overcome by the moment of centrifugal force developed on each clapper,

and a sounding surface carried near the second end of the club shaft where it will be struck by each clapper in turn to develop audible signals at different times when the clappers are individually pivoted away from the magnet and strike the sounding surface.

12. A training club with which instruction in hitting a ball can be carried out, including,

shaft adapted to simulate an actual club by being swung by a first end with the hands and arms of a person under training,

pivot shaft mounted at the second end of the club shaft,

first clapper member mounted on the pivot shaft at the second end of the club shaft so as to be held in a first position,

second clapper member mounted on the pivot shaft at the second end of the shaft so as to be held in a first position,

magnet mounted near the second end of the club shaft at a predetermined transverse distance from the pivot shaft and placed to hold both clappers in their first positions until their magnetic moments are overcome by moments of centrifugal force developed on each clapper at the second end of the club shaft as the club is swung,

means for adjusting the predetermined transverse distance between the magnet and the pivot shaft of the clappers to establish the size of the magnetic force to be overcome by the moment of the centrifugal force developed on each clapper,

means for sliding the second clapper on the pivot shaft sideways in relation to the magnet to predetermine the degree of magnetic coupling between the second clapper and the magnet in the first position,

and a sounding surface carried near the second end of the club shaft where it will be struck by each clapper in turn to develop audible signals at different times when the clappers are individually pivoted away from the magnet and strike the sounding surface.

13. A training club with which instruction in hitting a ball can be carried out, including,

shaft adapted to simulate an actual club by being swung by a first end with the hands and arms of a person under training,

pivot shaft mounted at the second end of the club shaft, first and second clapper members mounted on the pivot shaft near the second end of the club shaft so as to be held in a first position,

magnet mounted near the second end of the club shaft at a predetermined transverse distance from the pivot shaft and placed to hold the clappers in their first positions until the magnetic moment of each clapper is overcome by a moment of centrifugal force developed on each clapper at the second end of the club shaft as the club shaft is swung,

means for adjusting the predetermined transverse distance between the magnet and the pivot shaft of the clappers to establish the size of the moment of 14 magnetic force to be overcome by the moment of centrifugal force developed on each clapper which will overcome its respective moment of magnetic force,

a sounding surface carried near the second end of the club shaft where it will be struck by each clapper in turn to develop audible signals at different times when the clappers are individually pivoted away from the magnet and strike the sounding surface,

and means for indicating the transverse distance between the magnet and the pivot shaft of the clappers on a linear scale, whereby the traineeusing the simulated club will have available a visual reference for training his swing to duplicate predetermined moments of centrifugal force on the clappers.

14. A training club for instructional purposes, includan elongated shaft grasped by one end and representing a golf club,

a hollow housing mounted on the free end of the club shaft to represent the head of the club,

a shaft extending transverse the club shaft journal-led in opposite walls of the housing and formed with threads along the length of the shaft between the walls,

a magnet threaded on the housing shaft so as to travel the length of the shaft when the shaft is manually turned,

a pivot shaft mounted transverse both the housing shaft and club shaft and positioned near one end of the housing shaft and with the housing shaft positioned between the pivot shaft and the free end of the club shaft,

first and second clapper members mounted on the pivot shaft and pivoted into a first position by attraction to the magnet traveling on the housing shaft,

a sounding surface within the housing at a position where it will be struck by each clapper as the magnetic moment holding each clapper in its first position is overcome by the moment of centrifugal force developed on each clapper when the housing is swung on the free end of the shaft as representing the head of a club,

and means with which the transverse linear distance between the magnet and the pivot shaft is exhibited for visual aid in instruction.

15. A training club with which instruction in hitting a ball can be carried out, including,

a shaft adapted to simulate and actual club by being swung by a first end with the hands and arms of a person under training,

a pivot shaft mounted at the second end of the club shaft,

a clapper member mounted from one end on the pivot shaft which shaft determines a pivot axis near the second end of the club shaft so as to be held in a first pivoted position about the pivot axis,

a magnet mounted near the second end of the club shaft at a predetermined transverse distance from the pivot axis of the pivot shaft and placed to hold the clapper in the first pivoted position about the pivot axis until the magnetic moment which holds the clapper in the first pivoted position about the pivot axis is overcome by the moment of centrifugal force developed on the clapper at the second end of the club shaft as the club shaft is swung,

an attraction surface on the clapper by which the magnet holds the clapper in the first pivoted position about the pivot axis, the surface adapted to be varied in effective area by moving the clapper on the pivot shaft to one side relative the magnet so only a part of the magnet surface is contiguous the clapper surface,

and a sounding surface carried near the second end of the club shaft where it will be struck by the clapper to develop an audible signal when the clapper is pivoted away from the magnet and strikes the sounding surface. 16-. A training club with which instruction in hitting a ball can be carried out, including,

a shaft adapted to be manually grasped to simulate an actual club by being swung by a first end with the hands and arms of a person under training,

a pivot shaft extending tangential to the arc of the swing of the pivot shaft and mounted near the second end of the simulated club shaft,

a clapper mounted on the pivot shaft so as to be held in a pivoted first position,

a magnet mounted near the second end of the club shaft at a predetermined transverse distance from the pivot shaft and placed to hold the clapper in the first pivoted position by magnetic attraction until the mag netic moment which holds the clapper in the first pivoted position is overcome by the moment of centrifugal force developed on the clapper at the second end of the club shaft as the club shaft is swung,

means for sliding the clapper along the axis of the pivot shaft to partially disengage the clapper surface and magnet and thereby vary the amount of magnetic attraction holding the clapper in the first pivoted position,

and a sounding surface carried near the second end of the club shaft where it will be struck by the clapper to develop an audible signal when the clapper is pivoted away from the magnet and strikes the sounding surface.

17. A training club with which instruction in hitting a ball can be carried out, including,

a shaft adapted to simulate an actual club by being swung by a first end with the hands and arms of a person under training,

a pivot shaft mounted near the second end of the club shaft to extend in a direction transverse the axis of the club shaft,

a clapper member mounted on the pivot shaft so as to be held in a first position in the path it makes in pivoting about the pivot shaft,

a magnet movably mounted near the second end of the club shaft at a predetermined distance from the pivot shaft along a line extending transverse the pivot shaft and the club shaft and in the path of the pivoting clapper member, to hold the clapper in the first position unti the moment of magnetic force about the pivot shaft is overcome by the moment of centrifugal force developed about thepivot shaft and on the clapper when the club shaft is swung,

means for adjusting the predetermined transverse distance between the magnet and the pivot shaft axis of the clapper to establish the size of the moment of centrifugal force developed about the pivot shaft and on the clapper which will overcome the moment of magnetic force,

a linear scale extending parallel the line the magnet is moved transverse the pivot shaft and the club shaft to give visual reference to the distance the magnet is positioned from the pivot shaft along the line,

and a sounding surface mounted near the second end of the club shaft and in the path of the pivoting clapper where it will be struck by the clapper to develop an audible signal as the clapper is pivoted away from the magnet and from which the clapper falls by gravity back to the magnet to be held again.

18. A training club with which instruction in hitting a ball can be carried out, including,

a shaft adapted to simulate an actual club by being swung by a first end with the hands and aims of a person under training,

a pivot shaft mounted at the second end of the club shaft,

a clapper member mounted on-the pivot shaft so as to be held in a first position,

a movable magnet mounted near the second end of the club shaft at a predetermined transverse distance from the pivot shaft and adapted to be placed to hold the clapper in the first position until the magnetic moment which holds the clapper in the first positlon is overcome by the moment of centriugal force developed on the clapper by the club shaft being swung,

a surface on the clapper attracted by the magnet, the surf-ace shaped'so asto cause the ratio between the transverse distance between the magnet and the pivot shaft and the size of the magnetic moment at the magnet and about the pivot shaft to change as the magnet is moved,

and a sounding surface carried near the second end of the club shaft where it will be struck by the clapper to develop an audible signal when the clapper is pivoted away from the magnet and strikes the sounding surface.

19'. A training club with which instruction in hitting a ball can be carried out, including,

a shaft adapted to simulate an actual club by being swung by a first end with the hands and arms of a person under training,

a shaft mounted at the second end of the club a clapper member mounted on the pivot shaft near the second end of the club shaft so as to be held in a first position,

a magnet mounted near the second end of the club shaft and movable along a line at a predetremined transverse distance from the .pivot shaft and adapted to be placed to hold the clapper in the first position until the magnetic moment which holds the clapper in the first position is overcome by the moment of centrifugal force developed on the clapper at the second end of the club shaft as the club shaft is swung,

a surface on the clapper attracted by the magnet, the surface having a first portion shaped so as to cause the ratio between the size of the magnetic moment at the magnet and about the pivot shaft and the transverse distance of the magnet from the pivot shaft to change as the magnet is moved along the line from the pivot shaft and a second portion shaped so as to maintain a predetermined constant ratio between the size of the magnetic moment at the magnet and the transverse distance of the magnet from the pivot shaft,

a linear scale extending parallel the line along which the magnet is moved transverse the pivot shaft and having a separately calibrated portion over each of the lengths of said two portions of said clapper surface to give visual reference to the distance the magnet is moved from the pivot shaft along the line,

and a sounding surface carried near the second end of the club shaft where it will be struck by the clapper to develop an audible signal when the clapper is pivoted away from the magnet and strikes the sounding surface.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

1. A TRAINING CLUB WITH WHICH INSTRUCTION IN HITTING A BALL CAN BE CARRIED OUT, INCLUDING, A SHAFT ADAPTED TO SIMULATE AN ACTUAL CLUB BY BEING SWUNG BY A FIRST END WITH THE HANDS AND ARMS OF A PERSON UNDER TRAINING, A PIVOT SHAFT MOUNTED NEAR THE SECOND END OF THE CLUB SHAFT TO EXTEND IN A DIRECTION TRANSVERSE THE AXIS OF THE CLUB SHAFT, A CLAPPER MEMBER MOUNTED ON THE PIVOT SHAFT SO AS TO BE HELD IN A FIRST POSITION, A MAGNET MOUNTED NEAR THE SECOND END OF THE CLUB SHAFT AT A PREDETERMINED DISTANCE TRANSVERSE THE PIVOT SHAFT AXIS TO HOLD THE CLAPPER IN THE FIRST POSITION UNTIL THE MOMENT OF MAGNETIC FORCE ABOUT THE PIVOT SHAFT IS OVERCOME BY THE MOMENT OF CENTRIFUGAL FORCE DEVELOPED ON THE CLAPPER ABOUT THE PIVOT SHAFT WHEN THE CLUB SHAFT IS SWUNG, AND A SOUNDING SURFACE MOUNTED NEAR THE SECOND END OF THE CLUB SHAFT WHERE IT WILL BE STRUCK BY THE CLAPPER TO DEVELOP AN AUDIBLE SIGNAL AS THE CLAPPER IS PIVOTED AWAY FROM THE MAGNET AND STRIKES THE SOUNDING SURFACE. 